The 15th day of the 7th lunar month, also known as the "Month of Hungry Ghosts," is one of the most important religious observances in both folk beliefs and Buddhism in Vietnam. In addition to the Vu Lan Festival, this time is marked by the tradition of offering to hungry ghosts, which is performed to remember and soothe the wandering spirits without a place to call home. This ritual reflects compassion and charity and holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Vietnamese tradition.

1. Origins and Spiritual Significance of the Ritual

1.1. Origins

The ritual of offering to hungry ghosts originated from China, rooted in Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. According to legend, during the 7th lunar month, the gates of hell are opened by the King of Hell, allowing spirits to return to the earthly realm in search of food, drink, and to reunite with their loved ones. From this belief, the ritual of offering to hungry ghosts emerged as a way to comfort these spirits, helping them to satisfy their hunger, alleviate their suffering, and eventually find liberation.

In Vietnam, this ritual was adopted and adapted to fit the local culture and beliefs. Beyond its religious significance, the practice of offering to hungry ghosts has become a traditional cultural practice, deeply intertwined with the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people for generations.

1.2. Spiritual Significance

Offering to hungry ghosts during the 15th day of the 7th lunar month is a deeply humane act, reflecting human compassion towards unfortunate, wandering spirits. Vietnamese people believe that offering food to these spirits not only helps them avoid hunger but also assists them in finding peace, preventing them from disturbing the living.

Additionally, offering to hungry ghosts is also considered a way to ward off misfortune and pray for peace and safety for the family. By making offerings to the spirits, families believe that they will be protected by these spirits, avoiding bad luck and misfortunes in life.

2. Timing and Rituals of Offering to Hungry Ghosts

2.1. Timing of the Offering

Traditionally, the ritual of offering to hungry ghosts is held on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, but many families may choose to perform the offering from the 1st to the 14th of the month. This depends on each family's circumstances and beliefs. The offering can take place during the day or in the evening, but it is often done in the late afternoon or late evening when the spirits are believed to be most active.

2.2. How to Perform the Offering

The ritual of offering to hungry ghosts is usually performed in front of the house, in the yard, or in public places like temples, communal houses, and shrines. The offerings do not need to be elaborate, but they should reflect sincerity and compassion.

The Offering Tray for Hungry Ghosts

A typical offering tray for hungry ghosts includes the following items:

• Rice and salt: Rice and salt are basic offerings, often scattered after the ritual to ward off evil spirits.
• Plain porridge: Watery plain porridge is believed to be easy to consume and digest for the spirits.
• Candies: Various sweets like pressed cakes, cookies, and hard candies symbolize sweetness and comfort for the spirits.
• Sugarcane: Sugarcane cut into small pieces represents simplicity and austerity.
• Fruits: Fresh fruits such as bananas, oranges, tangerines, and apples are beautifully arranged.
• Water: Clean water is poured into small cups for the spirits to drink.
• Joss paper: Paper money, paper clothes, and daily necessities are burned after the offering to send to the spirits.

The Ritual Process

After arranging the offering tray, the head of the household lights incense and recites prayers, inviting the spirits to come and receive the offerings. The prayer for the hungry ghosts is usually short but sincere, expressing the hope that the spirits will be well-fed and soon find peace. After the prayer, the household head proceeds to burn the joss paper and scatter rice and salt around the house to ward off evil spirits.

3. Customs and Taboos During the Month of Hungry Ghosts

3.1. Positive Customs

In addition to offering to hungry ghosts, during the Month of Hungry Ghosts, Vietnamese people also engage in several positive customs to accumulate merit and avoid misfortune:

• Releasing animals: Releasing animals like birds, fish, and turtles to accumulate merit and pray for peace for the family.
• Doing good deeds: Helping others during the Month of Hungry Ghosts is believed to bring additional blessings and reduce misfortune.
• Visiting temples: Visiting temples, offering incense, and chanting prayers for the spirits are important spiritual activities during this month.

3.2. Taboos to Observe

The Month of Hungry Ghosts is believed to be a time when the spiritual energy is strong, and wandering spirits are likely to cause trouble. Therefore, Vietnamese people often observe the following taboos:

• Avoid going out at night: Nighttime is believed to be when spirits are most active, so it is advisable to avoid going out at night to prevent encountering bad luck.
• Do not burn joss paper inside the house: Burning joss paper inside the house is thought to attract spirits into the home, causing trouble.
• Avoid hanging wind chimes indoors: Wind chimes are believed to attract spirits, so they should not be hung indoors during the Month of Hungry Ghosts.
• Do not dry clothes at night: Drying clothes at night is believed to allow spirits to "wear" them, bringing bad luck to the family.
• Avoid calling out each other's names at night: Calling out names at night could make spirits remember and haunt those who are called.

4. The Evolution of the Hungry Ghosts Ritual in Modern Society

In modern society, the ritual of offering to hungry ghosts continues to be practiced but has evolved to suit contemporary life. Today, many people still observe the ritual, but the offering trays have been simplified. Instead of performing the ritual at home, many families choose to do it at temples, which saves time and ensures solemnity.

Moreover, the ritual has also become more of a social and communal activity. Many organizations and communities hold collective offerings at public places, temples, and shrines, attracting large numbers of participants. This not only helps maintain the traditional customs but also creates opportunities for people to connect and share in life.

5. The Importance of Preserving the Hungry Ghosts Ritual

Despite societal changes, the ritual of offering to hungry ghosts remains a significant aspect of Vietnamese spiritual culture. Maintaining and performing this ritual reflects compassion, respect for the spirits, and a connection to ancestral roots, preserving traditional cultural values.

The ritual of offering to hungry ghosts also has educational value, reminding people to live better lives, care for those around them, especially those who are less fortunate.

7. Conclusion

The ritual of offering to hungry ghosts during the 15th day of the 7th lunar month is an important part of Vietnamese spiritual life. It is not just a religious ceremony but also a cultural practice that embodies compassion, humanity, and community spirit. Understanding and practicing this ritual helps us connect with tradition and live better, guided by the high humanitarian values of life.